Sensis is a subsidiary of Telstra and produces the Yellow Pages and the White Pages business directory in Australia.

But from July 1, 390 jobs, including graphic design and call centre positions, are set to be sent offshore.

"When people lose their jobs in the car industry, rightly the government is concerned and pulls out all stops to do what it can to stop the sackings and keep the jobs local,"Mr Bandt told reporters in Canberra.

"A job in graphic design or in a call centre should be treated with as much importance as a job making a car".

He asked the government to take action two months ago when the offshore proposal was first raised.

He wants the government to support an amendment that would require Telstra's subsidiary to continue producing the directories in Australia.

"We hear a lot of rhetoric from the government about protecting local jobs - well, this afternoon they'll have the opportunity to put their money where their mouth is," Mr Bandt said.

Sensis made over millions in profit last year, so it was not a lot to ask it to take a "small haircut" to ensure almost 400 jobs stay here, he said.